Florida lawmakers react to Boston manhunt

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The shootout and manhunt in Boston captured the attention of the nation and the world, even as many of Americans tried to stay focused on their jobs Friday and finish their workweek.

In Tallahassee, state business went on as usual and that included lawmakers. The House Appropriations Committee met to debate the issue of expanding health insurance to uninsured Floridians.

However, many around the Capitol kept an eye on the unfolding tragedy in Boston, including Rep. Mike Fasano.

He said he was very impressed with the efforts of law enforcement to track down the bombing suspects so quickly.

"The technology, the great efforts by law enforcement, but even in the community of Boston and throughout the state of Massachusetts, coming together and tracking down these evil people, it shows you that we live in the greatest country in the world."

Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said the way authorities used technology to aid the investigation demonstrated the great value of surveillance cameras in public areas.

"I know that for many people they have concerns about Big Brother watching them but when you have events like this, the Boston Marathon, to have cameras in place. The technology we have today to be able to go after those that commit crimes and again I'm a big believer that if you have nothing to hide that you shouldn't have to worry about hiding anything. In this case, the technology, the cameras that were positioned brought to the attention of the public those attackers, those terrorists."

Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford was busy Friday watching the Appropriations Committee pass one of his most important proposals of the legislative session, but he too kept tabs on the events in Boston.

He called the case another American tragedy.

"It's another example that terrorism has not gone away. There are people, young and old, people from this country, from other countries, that have bad thoughts and deeds and are a danger to society and we should continue to look for ways to protect our citizens, look for ways to protect our children and our kids. It's just an unforeseeable tragedy and our thoughts and prayers here in the state of Florida go out to our friends in Boston."